SHOPPERS are being warned to stay alert this Easter as a dangerous new scam offering “free chocolate eggs” does the rounds.
Cyber crooks are using fake giveaways to lure victims into handing over personal details - with promises of free goodies from big-name brands like Cadbury.
The long Easter weekend might be a time for treats, but it’s also a pricey one - with the average Brit splashing out £147 on meals, travel and chocolatey goodies, says finance site NerdWallet.
So, when a chance to bag free choccie eggs pops up, it’s no surprise some shoppers bite.
But it could be a con.
One X user revealed how they were nearly duped by a fake Cadbury promotion, which promised free Easter eggs - but was really a trap set by cyber crooks.
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It said: "We would like to offer you a unique opportunity to receive a new Ultimate Selection box! To claim, simple take this short survey about your experience with Cadbury."
Victims are lured in with the promise of freebies - but after clicking the dodgy link, they’re asked to hand over personal info or payment details, giving scammers full access to their cash.
Experts are warning of a surge in these scams around Easter, as fraudsters prey on bargain-hunters.
According to NerdWallet, the cons can cost victims a cracking £7,448 on average – turning a sweet deal into a financial nightmare.
Experts say the scam is spreading fast across social media and messaging apps.
Adam French, consumer finance expert at NerdWallet, has urged Brits to stay sharp as Easter approaches - warning that scam giveaways are popping up all over social media.
“These scams, often mimicking big-name chocolate brands like Cadbury, tend to spike around this time of year,” he said.
Fraudsters are targeting platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp with fake Cadbury promos, offering free chocolate hampers in return for surveys or clicks on shady links.
Adam added: “While they might look the part - with official logos, fake comments, and cloned websites - they’re not linked to Cadbury, who’ve confirmed they never run giveaways like this.”
Some stores are offering genuine Easter deals - but shoppers should be wary of any promotions not from official sources.
Easter Egg Scams: 5 signs to look out for
Here’s how to spot the signs of an Easter egg scam before it cracks your bank account.
- Too Good to Be True – Free chocolate hampers from big brands? If it sounds too sweet to be real, it probably is.
- Unverified Accounts – Always check if a social media page is verified. Fake profiles often mimic real brands.
- Suspicious Links – Be cautious of links asking you to fill out forms, take surveys, or enter personal/payment details.
- Poor Grammar or Spelling – Legit companies rarely make sloppy mistakes. If a post looks off, it probably is.
- Pressure Tactics – “Limited time only!” or “Claim now!” – scammers love to rush you into making a mistake.
Top tip: Always double-check with the brand’s official website before engaging with any online offer.
According to Adam, these Easter scams aren’t just about pinching your pennies - they’re carefully crafted to harvest personal data, lure people into costly subscriptions, or even swipe payment details straight from under their noses.
“In some cases, scammers ask for card info and can steal money directly,” he warned.
“But more often, they’re after your personal information, which can be used to carry out impersonation scams further down the line.”
And it doesn’t stop there – victims may also find themselves unwittingly signed up to pricey monthly services, draining their bank accounts long after the Easter eggs have melted.
To steer clear of the scam, Adam says the golden rule is simple - always check the source.
On social media, that means making sure any promotion comes from a verified account - not a dodgy lookalike.
He added: “If in doubt, head straight to the brand’s official website or contact their customer service team before clicking on any links or handing over details.”
A quick check could save you from a costly Easter nightmare.
However, there are plenty of deals out there are legit and totally safe to snap up, as shoppers are racing to get their hands on free Cadbury Mini Eggs from a major high street chain.
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You could get a huge luxury Lindt Easter egg for free by following just a few quick and easy steps.
And Asda has slashed the price of its large branded eggs just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.
